Vacuum united form structure

ABSTRACT

A form comprising a plurality of bricklike elements which, when arranged in rows and columns, provides a form surface; the confronting sides of the bricklike elements being recessed and in sealing contact to form a series of cavities arranged for connection to a vacuum source so that the bricklike elements may be temporarily held together until the wall is completed, then dismantled for reuse; the bricklike elements also being adapted for permanent connection so that any selected number of the bricklike elements may be permanently joined together to provide form modulates which may be vacuum secured to other modules or individual bricklike elements.

United States Patent [45] Patented Aug. 24, 1971 [54] VACUUM UNITED FORM STRUCTURE 19 Claims, 12 Drawing Figs.

1521 US. Cl 249/27, 18/DIG. 60, 25/131 R, 25/131 CP, 29/1910. 44,

511 1111.01. 1:04;; 11/08 1501 FieldoISearch 249/13,27, 47,44,65,96,l92;25/ll8R,ll8D,l3lZ,l31

Cl; l8/D1G. so, DIG. s9; 264/DIG. 78; 29/203 v,

DIG. 44

[56] Referencs Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 29/DlG. 44

1,984,007 12/1934 Babbitt 2,490,193 12/1949 Barr 264/221 X 2,196,874 4/1940 Ruegg 18/D1G. 60 2,991,600 7/1961 Lancaster l8/DIG. 60

Primary Examiner-.1. Spencer Overholser Assistant Examiner-Ben D. Tobor Attorney-Lyon & Lyon ABSTRACT: A fonn comprising a plurality of bricklike elements which, when arranged in rows and columns, provides a form surface; the confronting sides of the bricklike elements being recessed and in sealing contact to form a series of cavities arranged for connection to a vacuum source so that the bricklike elements may be temporarily held together until the wall is completed, then dismantled for reuse; the bricklike elements also being adapted for permanent connection so that any selected number of the bricklike elements may be permanently joined together to provide form modulates which may be vacuum secured to other modules or individual bricklike elements.

PATENTED Aus24 Ian SHEU 1 0F 2 0 Z e M w m /7 e Fwy VACUUM UNITED FORM STRUCTURE BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION in whichthe cement mixture is sprayed against and built up on a single form surface.

The present invention is directed to a from which utilizes a vacuum united elements and is summarized in the following objects:

First, to provide a form element which is similar in dimension to a building brick or building block and which includes one or more sides arranged to be temporarily sealed to a confronting form element to provide therewith a common cavity adapted for connection to a vacuum source so that a group of form elements may be assembled and subjected to vacuum pressure to provide a form surface; then, later disassembled for reuse.

Second, to provide a vacuum united form structure com-,

posed of the form elements indicated in the preceding object wherein the form elements may be permanently joined to provide form modules comprising any desired number of form units, thereby reducing the number of vacuum united form elements and reducing the time required for assembly and disassembly.

Third, to provide a vacuum united from structure utilizing novelly arranged from elements, each of which is, essentially, a cube and may be molded of plastic material and so arranged that either of a pair of opposite sides may provide a form surface, the remaining sides being recessed and arranged to receive a temporary to permanent sealing ring for engagement with a mating form element, or arranged to receive a cover plate whereby the side may provide a form surface; or, if

" desired, wedge-shaped rings may be provided to join'the from elements so that the form elements may define a generally curved surface.

Fourth, to provide a vacuum united from structure wherein each form element is provided with novelly arranged tubes for connection to a vacuum source, the tubes being initially sealed with frangible disks flush with the normal surface of the form element, whereby an appropriately located tube may be selected for use'and which may be provided with a sealing valve to avoid continuous connection with a vacuum source.

Fifth, to provide a vacuum united from structure which utilizes novelly arranged sectional hose units for providing connection between a plurality of form elements and a common vacuum source.

Sixth, to provide a vacuum united form structure which is particularly adapted for use in conjunction with gunite techniques wherein a cement mixture is sprayed against the form surface, usually covered by a reinforcing network, until a wall of the required thickness is built up; but, which may be used in opposed pairs for the purpose of receiving poured concrete therebetween.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a fragmentary sectional view, taken through 1-1 of FIG. 2, showing a fragment of a single wall from against which concrete has been applied by, for example, a gunite process to form a wall.

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the single wall from shown in FIG. 1, with the applied concrete shown fragmentarily.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view, showing typical form modules.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view of the backside of a from module, showing the manner of connection to a vacuum line.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a form wall, in which the from elements are joined by tapered members so as to present an essentially curved surface.

FIG. 6 is a further enlarged side view of a from element with a seal disk thereon, the seal disk being shown fragmentarily.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view, taken through 7-7 of FIG. 6, this being at the parting line between the two components of the form element, the form element having mounted thereon removable and permanent seal disks as well as a seal plate.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the form element, taken through 8-8 of FIG. 7, and showing at one side a tapered seal disk. Y

FIG. 9 is a side view of a form element, showing one of the form surfaces.

FIG. 10 is a partial plan, partial sectional view, showing a modified from element provided with an arcuate side.

FIG. 1 l is a fragmentary sectional view, showing one of the ports intended for connection to a vacuum line, and indicating v a check valve therein.

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary sectional view, showing a pair of adjacent form elements joined by a gasket.

The vacuum united from structure comprises a plurality of from elements 1. The from elements are similar in shape to building bricks or building blocks, except that they are preferably cubical. The form elements are stackedin columns and arranged in rows so as to provide compositely a' wall form 2, which by way of example, may include a door opening 3, a window opening 4, preferably provided with marginal stops 5. Where needed, the backside of the wall from may be provided with conventional bracing or may utilize the form elements 1 to provide such bracing, as indicated by 6. A single wall form so constructed is utilized to construct a gunited wall structure 7; that is, a cement mixture is forced against the from 2 by air pressure. Usually, a reinforcing network, not shown, is mounted in front of the wall form, the reinforcing network becomes embedded in the finished wall.

As will be described in more detail hereinafter, the form elements may be permanently secured together in prearranged groups so as to provide form modules 8. These modules may provide frames for doors and windows as well as to constitute wall panels, as indicated in FIG. 3.

Each form element has two opposed sides 9, either one of which may constitute a from surface. The sides 9 are connected by a central reinforcing tube 10, provided with end closure disks l1. Radiating from the central tube 10 are four diagonal reinforcing ribs 12 extending to the corners of the sides 9. The reinforcing ribs together with the opposed sides 9 divide the form element into four recessed sides 13, bordered by a sealing rim 14. Each sealing rim includes a marginal portion 15, forming a relatively shallow recess which is joined to a beveled portion 16.

Extending inwardly from the opposed sides 9 for communication with the recessed sides 13 are tubes 17, initially provided with end closure disks 18.

A pair of form elements are adapted to be secured together by means of a removable seal disk 19, having a rim 20 adapted to fit within the sealing rims 14 of an adjacent pair of form elements. The rim 20 is provided with peripheral channel 21 which receives a seal ring 22, dimensioned for sealing engagement with the confronting beveled portions 16 of adjacent form elements. The rim 20 is preferably formed on the periphery of a membrane 23, separating the two recessed sides 13 of adjacent form elements. The membrane 23 is provided with one or more perforations 24 so that the two recessed sides confronting the membrane 23 are in communication.

A pair of form elements are also adapted to be joined at their recessed sides 13 by a permanent seal disk 25, having a marginal rim 26 fitting within the' recessed portions 15 and beveled portions confronting the beveled portions 16 of an adjacent pair of form elements. The permanent seal disk secures the pair of form elements together by a suitable bonding agent.

Selected recessed sides 13 of each form element may receive a permanent seal plate 27, which is essentially the same as the permanent seal disk 25 if it were divided in half; that is, the seal plate 27 provides a surface which is flush with the margins of the side to permit its use as a form surface in the manner of the opposed sides 9.

For purposes of manufacture, the form element is preferably made of two identical components joined together in a plane midway between the opposed sides 9, as indicated by the line lain FIG. 8.

While the form element is illustrated as a cube, it may be elongated along one axis or be otherwise shaped depending upon the wall to be cast thereon. Also, for example, the form element may be in the shape of a quadrant 28, as shown in FIG. 10, having a curved side 29, a pair of flat sides 30 and two quadrant end sides 31. While the quadrant end sides 31 do not normally constitute forming surfaces, they may cover the axial ends of the reinforcing tube and be provided with the tubes 17.

If it is desired to place the form elements in angular relation, tapered seal disks 32 may be provided, as indicated in FIGS. 5 and 8. The opposite sides of the seal disk 32 may be provided with seal flanges 33, and the periphery of the tapered seal disk is provided with an exposes rim 34.

If it is desired to join the form elements directly to each other, the recessed sides 13 may be provided with modified seal rims 35, having channels which receive a seal ring 36 so that a seal ring 36 may be fitted between the confronting seal rims 35 of adjacent form elements, as shown in FIG. 12. In this regard, the seal rims 35 may be directly joined by a suitable bonding agent, the seal ring 36 serving to align the form ele ments.

When a pair of form elements are joined together by a removable seal disk 19, the confronting recessed sides 13 define a common chamber. If vacuum pressure is applied to the chamber, the two form elements are securely held together, but are easily released when the vacuum pressure is relieved. While each of the form elements may be secured to its neighbors by establishing vacuum pressure in the common chambers, it is preferred to join a group of form elements 1 to provide a module 8. In such case, only the exposed recessed sides 13 around the periphery of the module need to be used to join one module to another. In order to accomplish this, one or more vacuum lines 37 are provided. Each vacuum line may comprise a plurality of tubing units 38, each having a socket end 39 provided with an internal groove 40, and a plain end adapted for insertion in any of the tubes 17 after removal of the end closure disk 18. Each side tube 42 is provided with a flange 43 to limit inward movement of the side tube. Auxiliary tubing units, such as a plug 44 and an elbow 45, as well as other auxiliary units, now shown, such as Ys and caps are provided to complete the vacuum lines. As is the case with the form elements, sets of the tubing units 38 may be permanently connected to simplify handling.

While in practice the vacuum line or lines may be connected continuously to a suitable vacuum pressure source, check valves 46, such as the duckbill type of check valve shown in FIG. 11, may be employed where desired.

Operation of the vacuum united from structure is as follows:

In order to simplify assembly and disassembly of the form structure, groups of form elements 1 are arranged as modules by permanently connecting the form elements, utilizing permanent seal disks 25 and a bonding agent. The outwardly facing recessed sides 13 of the form elements of each module are connected to corresponding form elements of adjacent modules by the removable seal disks 19. Each chamber established by confronting pairs of recessed sides 13 is provided with four tubes 17, only one of which need be used. Consequently, only one end closure disk 18 is removed, and a side tube 42 inserted. The series of chambers are connected by the tubing units 38 to a common source of vacuum pressure. Initially, the form elements may be held together by the friction provided in the disks 19; however, selected form elements may be provided with check valves 46 so that a vacuum pressure may be momentarily applied. After assembly, the full vacuum pressure is applied to permit the form wall to withstand the loads that may be imposed thereon.

While for purposes of illustration the single form wall is shown, it should be noted that the form structure may be used as a double form wall in which concrete is poured between the form walls. In such case, selected central reinforcing tubes 10 may be opened by removal of the closure disks 11 for the insertion of crosstie bars and appropriate sealing means.

Also, if desired, a column of form elements may be secured to the backside of the form wall with their respective reinforcing tubes 10 disposed vertically so as to receive column rods to secure the form wall or walls in position. In this regard, the quadrant form elements 28 may be arranged at the corner of the form wall, as shown in FIG. 1, and receive a column rod for the purpose of securing the form wall in place. Still further, the backside of the form wall or walls may be provided with rearwardly extending brace walls 6, corresponding in construction to the wall form or a module thereof.

The present embodiments of this invention are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

IClaim:

1. A vacuum united form structure, comprising:

a. a plurality of form elements arranged in rows and columns to produce a form wall;

b. selected pairs of the form elements, when placed side-t0- side, defining a common chamber;

c. means for sealing said common chambers;

d. and means for connecting the common chambers to a source of vacuum pressure thereby to vacuum unite said selected pairs of form elements, and upon release of the vacuum pressure to permit said pairs of form units to be dismantled.

2. A structure, as defined in claim 1, wherein:

a. said connecting means is a sealing gasket interposed between the members ofa selected pair of form elements.

3. A structure, as defined in claim 1, wherein:

a. said connecting member is a disk fitted between members of a selected pair of form elements;

b. and a gasket carried by said disk.

4. A structure, as defined in claim 1, wherein:

a. said connecting means includes a plurality of separable tubing sections adapted to be joined end-to-end and having lateral portions for communicating with said chambers.

5. A structure, as defined in claim 1, wherein each form element includes:

a. at least one planar wall providing a form surface adapted to be disposed flush with corresponding walls of other form elements;

b. and a set of recessed sides adapted, when mated to corresponding sides of other form elements, to define said common chambers, and at least one opening for each chamber adapted to receive said connecting means.

A structure, as defined in claim 1, wherein:

a. means are provided for permanently joining other of said form elements to produce multiple element form modules, said modules being bordered by members of said selected pairs for vacuum union to mating members thereof bordering adjacent modules.

7. A structure, as defined in claim 6, wherein:

a. said permanent joining means is a bonding agent between the form elements.

8. A structure, as defined in claim 6, wherein:

a. said permanent joining means is a disk member interposed between a pair of form elements and a bonding agent is disposed between said disk and form elements.

9. A structure, as defined in claim 6, wherein:

a. said permanent joining means is a tapered disk interposed between a pair of form elements to dispose the from elements in angular relation.

10. A vacuum united from structure, comprising:

a. a plurality of form elements adapted to be arranged in rows and columns to produce a from wall;

b. each form element being essentially cubical and including a from surface side and a set of recessed sides;

c. means for connecting the recessed sides of adjacent form nection to a vacuum source whereby during existence of 5 vacuum pressure in a chamber the corresponding form elements are held together.

11. A structure, as defined in claim 10, wherein:

a, each form element is provided with a pair of opposed sides for selection as the form surface side;

b. said ports being located in said sides;

c. and seal elements disposed flush with the surfaces of said sides initially close said ports.

12. A structure, as defined in claim 10, wherein a. selected connecting means are sealing gaskets permitting separation of adjacent form elements upon release of vacuum pressure in the corresponding chamber.

13. A structure, as defined in claim 10, wherein:

a. selected connecting means'permanently secure adjacent form elements together.

14. A structure, as defined in claim 10, wherein:

a. selected connecting means are perforated reinforcing disks interposed between adjacent form elements; b. and a sealing gasket is carried by each disk. 15. A structure, as defined in claim 10, wherein:

a. selected connecting means are reinforcing disks interposed between adjacent form elements and permanently bonded thereto.

16. A structure, as defined in claim 10, wherein:

a. selected connecting means are tapered reinforcing disks to dispose adjacent form elements in angular relation.

17. A structure, as defined in claim 10, which further comprises: I

a. a disk dimensioned to cover a selected recessed side of a from element to convert the side to a from surface side.

18. A structure, as defined in claim 10, which further comprises:

a. a vacuum line unit having an end fitting whereby a series of units may be joined to form a vacuum line, selected units having side stems for insertion into open ports for application of vacuum pressure to corresponding chambers.

19. A structure, as defined in claim 10, which further comprises:

a. check valves for reception in open ports to seal against flow of vacuum relieving air into corresponding chambers, said valves being externally accessible to relieve the vacuum therein. 

1. A vacuum united form structure, comprising: a. a plurality of form elements arranged in rows and columns to produce a form wall; b. selected pairs of the form elements, when placed side-toside, defining a common chamber; c. means for sealing said common chambers; d. and means for connecting the common chambers to a source of vacuum pressure thereby to vacuum unite said selected pairs of form elements, and upon release of the vacuum pressure to permit said pairs of form units to be dismantled.
 2. A structure, as defined in claim 1, wherein: a. said connecting means is a sealing gasket interposed between the members of a selected pair of form elements.
 3. A structure, as defined in claim 1, wherein: a. said connecting member is a disk fitted between members of a selected pair of form elements; b. and a gasket carried by said disk.
 4. A structure, as defined in claim 1, wherein: a. said connecting means includes a plurality of separable tubing sections adapted to be joined end-to-end and having lateral portions for communicating with said chambers.
 5. A structure, as defined in claim 1, wherein each form element includes: a. at least one planar wall providing a form surface adapted to be disposed flush with corresponding walls of other form elements; b. and a set of recessed sides adapted, when mated to corresponding sides of other form elements, to define said common chambers, and at least one opening for each chamber adapted to receive said connecting means.
 6. A structure, as defined in claim 1, wherein: a. means are provided for permanently joining other of said form elements to produce multiple element form modules, said modules being bordered by members of said selected pairs for vacuum union to mating members thereof bordering adjacent modules.
 7. A structure, as defined in claim 6, wherein: a. said permanent joining means is a bonding agent between the form elements.
 8. A structure, as defined in claim 6, wherein: a. said permanent joining means is a disk member interposed between a pair of form elements and a bonding agent is disposed between said disk and form elements.
 9. A structure, as defined in claim 6, wherein: a. said permanent joining means is a tapered disk interposed between a pair of form elements to dispose the from elements in angular relation.
 10. A vacuum united from structure, comprising: a. a plurality of form elements adapted to be arranged in rows and columns to produce a from wall; b. each form element being essentially cubical and including a from surface side and a set of recessed sides; c. means for connecting the recessed sides of adjacent form elements whereby the connected pairs of recessed sides define common chambers; d. a normally sealed port for each chamber adapted for connection to a vacuum source whereby during existence of vacuum pressure in a chamber the corresponding form elements are held together.
 11. A structure, as defined in claim 10, wherein: a. each form element is provided with a pair of opposed sides for selection as the form surface side; b. said ports being located in said sides; c. and seal elements disposed flush with the surfaces of said sides initially close said ports.
 12. A structure, as defined in claim 10, wherein a. selected connecting means are sealing gaskets permitting separation of adjacent form elements upon release of vacuum pressure in the corresponding chamber.
 13. A structure, as defined in claim 10, wherein: a. selected connecting means permanently secure adjacent form elements together.
 14. A structure, as defined in claim 10, wherein: a. selected connecting means are perforated reinforcing disks interposed between adjacent form elements; b. and a sealing gasket is carried by each disk.
 15. A structure, as defined in claim 10, wherein: a. selected connecting means are reinforcing disks interposed between adjacent form elements and permanently bonded thereto.
 16. A structure, as defined in claim 10, wherein: a. selected connecting means are tapered reinforcing disks to dispose adjacent form elements in angular relation.
 17. A structure, as defined in claim 10, which further comprises: a. a disk dimensioned to cover a selected recessed side of a from element to convert the side to a from surface side.
 18. A structure, as defined in claim 10, which further comprises: a. a vacuum line unit having an end fitting whereby a series of units may be joined to form a vacuum line, selected units having side stems for insertion into open ports for application of vacuum pressure to corresponding chambers.
 19. A structure, as defined in claim 10, which further comprises: a. check valves for reception in open ports to seal against flow of vacuum relieving air into corresponding chambers, said valves being externally accessible to relieve the vacuum therein. 